alchemy

noun

Definition of alchemynext
1
as in occultism
the power to control natural forces through supernatural means … an alchemy that changed metals rarer than gold into elements more baneful than lead.—James Gleick

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2
as in magic
the power to do something impressive in a way that seems mysterious or supernatural They marveled at the digital alchemy that turns lines of computer code into a beautiful user interface.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of alchemy What created the album’s alchemy is more obvious in retrospect. — Natalie Weiner, Pitchfork, 19 June 2026 For Henderson, the actual act of taking off and landing in an airplane feels like a special kind of alchemy. — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 17 June 2026 Examples include words like alcohol, alkali, alchemy, and in astronomy, star names such as Altair, Alkaid, Alcor and Aldebaran. — Scott Neuman, NPR, 11 June 2026 Building a champion is a work of alchemy, and chemistry matters. — Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for alchemy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alchemy
  1. occultism
  2. magic
  3. sorcery
  4. witchcraft
  5. wizardry
Noun
  • In one example, some teachers are let into the fictional realm of Agartha, which is a key setting in neo-Nazi occultism where everyone is white and blond.
    — Owen Carry, Wired News, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The transformation of Tarocchi into a divinatory tool began in the late 18th century, driven by the rise of occultism in France.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Feb. 2026
Definition of occultism
Noun
  • Nearby Playa El Limón offers another version of the region’s magic.
    — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • In this in-depth guide from AD, rediscover the importance and magic of Wright’s most famous private residence.
    — Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2026
Definition of magic
Noun
  • These are some of man's most sorcery-like achievements, providing materials with excellent engineering properties.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
  • Come to Eternia, the mythical home of flying dragon-like creatures, and swords, and sorcery, and spaceships — really, all the stuff a 12-year-old science fiction fanatic loves.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2026
Definition of sorcery
Noun
  • That feeling is only intensified by Xang’s under-his-breath threats and twisted meditations that come across more like free-car witchcraft.
    — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 26 June 2026
  • Starring Vanessa Redgrave and Oliver Reed, the film tells the story of Urbain Grandier, a 17th-century Catholic priest who was burned at the stake over accusations of witchcraft.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 22 June 2026
Definition of witchcraft
Noun
  • With some mathematical wizardry, the researchers described a periodic surface whose elements capture discrete components of polarized wavefronts.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 18 June 2026
  • Through two-and-a-half seasons, there have been a few thrills and plenty of VFX wizardry, but little innovation in storytelling or relevance.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 15 June 2026
Definition of wizardry

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alchemizing
alchemy
alcohol
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Cite this Entry

“Alchemy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alchemy. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on alchemy

Nglish: Translation of alchemy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alchemy

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